Moving Body Navigation Using Network Topology for Dock Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for guiding moving bodies, such as underwater drones, to power supply stations face challenges in alignment accuracy due to environmental factors like poor visibility, depth, mud, seaweed, and time-dependent light conditions.
Innovation Solution
A moving body equipped with a communicator for wireless communication, an acquirer to determine the communication connection relationship of a communication network, and a movement controller to determine and move towards a direction based on this relationship, thereby improving alignment accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a camera is utilized for movement to a destination such as a power supply station, then the moving body can acquire visual information for navigation, but the alignment accuracy deteriorates due to environmental factors such as poor visibility, depth, mud, seaweed, and time-dependent light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces communication signals as an intermediary medium for navigation. Instead of relying directly on camera-based visual information that is affected by environmental factors, the moving body uses wireless communication signals from the power supply station to determine its position and alignment. The communication signals serve as a mediator that transfers navigation information without being degraded by environmental conditions like poor visibility, mud, or seaweed.
2Reliability
If camera-based navigation is used, then the moving body can identify the destination, but the reliability of navigation deteriorates in challenging environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical/mechanical camera-based navigation system with an electromagnetic communication-based system. The camera system, which is susceptible to environmental degradation, is substituted with wireless communication signals that penetrate environmental obstacles more reliably. This substitution transitions from a mechanical/optical detection method to an electromagnetic field-based method that is less affected by environmental factors.
3Measurement precision
If marks are used for alignment, then the moving body can determine position, but the measurement precision deteriorates over time due to mark deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical marks with communication signal patterns as a virtual copy for position determination. Instead of relying on physical marks that can deteriorate, fade, or become obscured over time, the system uses electromagnetic signal patterns transmitted by the power supply station. These signal patterns can be regenerated indefinitely without degradation, providing a durable and consistent reference for navigation and alignment.
Data Source
AI summary
A moving body according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a communicator that wirelessly performs communication with an external apparatus; an acquirer that acquires a communication connection relationship of a communication network including the external apparatus and another communication apparatus, by the communication with the external apparatus; and a movement controller that determines, based on the communication connection relationship, a first direction, in which the moving body moves, and causes the moving body to move in the first direction.